Vocal cord cyst: Difference between revisions
From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Vocal cord cyst | |||
| image = [[File:Vocal_Folds.jpg|left|thumb|Vocal folds]] | |||
| caption = Vocal folds, where cysts can form | |||
| field = [[Otorhinolaryngology]] | |||
| synonyms = Vocal fold cyst, laryngeal cyst | |||
| symptoms = [[Hoarseness]], [[vocal fatigue]], [[dysphonia]] | |||
| complications = [[Vocal cord damage]], [[voice loss]] | |||
| onset = Any age, often in adults | |||
| duration = Persistent until treated | |||
| causes = [[Vocal abuse]], [[congenital]] | |||
| risks = [[Smoking]], [[vocal overuse]], [[gastroesophageal reflux disease]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Laryngoscopy]], [[stroboscopy]] | |||
| differential = [[Vocal cord nodule]], [[vocal cord polyp]], [[laryngitis]] | |||
| prevention = [[Voice therapy]], avoiding vocal strain | |||
| treatment = [[Voice rest]], [[surgery]] | |||
| medication = None specific, [[anti-inflammatory]] for symptoms | |||
| prognosis = Good with treatment | |||
| frequency = Relatively uncommon | |||
}} | |||
[[File:Cross-section_of_the_vocal_fold_by_Reinke.jpg|Cross-section of the vocal fold by Reinke|thumb|left]] | |||
[[File:Vocal_Fold_Cyst_after_dissection.jpg|Vocal fold cyst after dissection|thumb|left]] | |||
'''Vocal Cord Cyst''' refers to a benign lesion that forms on the [[vocal cords]], also known as vocal folds. These cysts can significantly affect the quality of voice and may cause discomfort or a sensation of a lump in the throat. Vocal cord cysts are one of several types of vocal fold lesions, which also include [[nodules]] and [[polyps]]. Understanding the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for vocal cord cysts is essential for individuals experiencing voice issues. | '''Vocal Cord Cyst''' refers to a benign lesion that forms on the [[vocal cords]], also known as vocal folds. These cysts can significantly affect the quality of voice and may cause discomfort or a sensation of a lump in the throat. Vocal cord cysts are one of several types of vocal fold lesions, which also include [[nodules]] and [[polyps]]. Understanding the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for vocal cord cysts is essential for individuals experiencing voice issues. | ||
==Causes== | ==Causes== | ||
Vocal cord cysts can be congenital or acquired. Congenital cysts are present at birth and result from developmental anomalies. Acquired cysts, more common than congenital ones, usually develop due to vocal strain or misuse, such as excessive talking, yelling, or singing. They can also result from chronic [[laryngitis]] or other irritations. There are two main types of vocal cord cysts: mucus retention cysts, caused by blockage of a glandular duct, and epidermoid cysts, which are filled with keratin. | Vocal cord cysts can be congenital or acquired. Congenital cysts are present at birth and result from developmental anomalies. Acquired cysts, more common than congenital ones, usually develop due to vocal strain or misuse, such as excessive talking, yelling, or singing. They can also result from chronic [[laryngitis]] or other irritations. There are two main types of vocal cord cysts: mucus retention cysts, caused by blockage of a glandular duct, and epidermoid cysts, which are filled with keratin. | ||
==Symptoms== | ==Symptoms== | ||
Symptoms of vocal cord cysts include: | Symptoms of vocal cord cysts include: | ||
| Line 11: | Line 32: | ||
* Vocal fatigue | * Vocal fatigue | ||
* Occasional pain when speaking or swallowing | * Occasional pain when speaking or swallowing | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Diagnosis of a vocal cord cyst typically involves a combination of patient history, physical examination, and specialized tests. A [[laryngoscopy]] or [[videostroboscopy]] allows the doctor to visualize the vocal cords directly and assess the cyst's size, location, and impact on vocal cord vibration. | Diagnosis of a vocal cord cyst typically involves a combination of patient history, physical examination, and specialized tests. A [[laryngoscopy]] or [[videostroboscopy]] allows the doctor to visualize the vocal cords directly and assess the cyst's size, location, and impact on vocal cord vibration. | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
Treatment options for vocal cord cysts vary based on the cyst's size and the severity of symptoms. Options include: | Treatment options for vocal cord cysts vary based on the cyst's size and the severity of symptoms. Options include: | ||
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* Surgery: Microsurgical techniques may be used to remove the cyst if voice therapy is ineffective or if the cyst is large. Surgery aims to preserve as much healthy tissue as possible. | * Surgery: Microsurgical techniques may be used to remove the cyst if voice therapy is ineffective or if the cyst is large. Surgery aims to preserve as much healthy tissue as possible. | ||
* Post-surgical therapy: Voice therapy is also crucial after surgery to ensure proper healing and to prevent recurrence. | * Post-surgical therapy: Voice therapy is also crucial after surgery to ensure proper healing and to prevent recurrence. | ||
==Prevention== | ==Prevention== | ||
Preventive measures for vocal cord cysts focus on minimizing vocal strain and maintaining good vocal hygiene. This includes staying hydrated, avoiding excessive voice use, and seeking training from a voice coach if frequent vocal use is necessary for one's profession. | Preventive measures for vocal cord cysts focus on minimizing vocal strain and maintaining good vocal hygiene. This includes staying hydrated, avoiding excessive voice use, and seeking training from a voice coach if frequent vocal use is necessary for one's profession. | ||
==See Also== | ==See Also== | ||
* [[Vocal fold nodule]] | * [[Vocal fold nodule]] | ||
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* [[Laryngitis]] | * [[Laryngitis]] | ||
* [[Voice therapy]] | * [[Voice therapy]] | ||
[[Category:Otorhinolaryngology]] | [[Category:Otorhinolaryngology]] | ||
[[Category:Voice disorders]] | [[Category:Voice disorders]] | ||
{{Medicine-stub}} | {{Medicine-stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 23:53, 9 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Vocal cord cyst | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Synonyms | Vocal fold cyst, laryngeal cyst |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Hoarseness, vocal fatigue, dysphonia |
| Complications | Vocal cord damage, voice loss |
| Onset | Any age, often in adults |
| Duration | Persistent until treated |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Vocal abuse, congenital |
| Risks | Smoking, vocal overuse, gastroesophageal reflux disease |
| Diagnosis | Laryngoscopy, stroboscopy |
| Differential diagnosis | Vocal cord nodule, vocal cord polyp, laryngitis |
| Prevention | Voice therapy, avoiding vocal strain |
| Treatment | Voice rest, surgery |
| Medication | None specific, anti-inflammatory for symptoms |
| Prognosis | Good with treatment |
| Frequency | Relatively uncommon |
| Deaths | N/A |
Vocal Cord Cyst refers to a benign lesion that forms on the vocal cords, also known as vocal folds. These cysts can significantly affect the quality of voice and may cause discomfort or a sensation of a lump in the throat. Vocal cord cysts are one of several types of vocal fold lesions, which also include nodules and polyps. Understanding the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for vocal cord cysts is essential for individuals experiencing voice issues.
Causes[edit]
Vocal cord cysts can be congenital or acquired. Congenital cysts are present at birth and result from developmental anomalies. Acquired cysts, more common than congenital ones, usually develop due to vocal strain or misuse, such as excessive talking, yelling, or singing. They can also result from chronic laryngitis or other irritations. There are two main types of vocal cord cysts: mucus retention cysts, caused by blockage of a glandular duct, and epidermoid cysts, which are filled with keratin.
Symptoms[edit]
Symptoms of vocal cord cysts include:
- Hoarseness or changes in the voice
- A sensation of a lump in the throat
- Difficulty projecting the voice
- Vocal fatigue
- Occasional pain when speaking or swallowing
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of a vocal cord cyst typically involves a combination of patient history, physical examination, and specialized tests. A laryngoscopy or videostroboscopy allows the doctor to visualize the vocal cords directly and assess the cyst's size, location, and impact on vocal cord vibration.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment options for vocal cord cysts vary based on the cyst's size and the severity of symptoms. Options include:
- Voice therapy: Often the first line of treatment, focusing on vocal rest and exercises to reduce strain on the vocal cords.
- Surgery: Microsurgical techniques may be used to remove the cyst if voice therapy is ineffective or if the cyst is large. Surgery aims to preserve as much healthy tissue as possible.
- Post-surgical therapy: Voice therapy is also crucial after surgery to ensure proper healing and to prevent recurrence.
Prevention[edit]
Preventive measures for vocal cord cysts focus on minimizing vocal strain and maintaining good vocal hygiene. This includes staying hydrated, avoiding excessive voice use, and seeking training from a voice coach if frequent vocal use is necessary for one's profession.
See Also[edit]
